Everyone likes the “new” Germany…Except Michael Ballack

July 17th, 2010 | by: Sarah |

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I think its safe to say that the German team that exited the World Cup managed to win not only a few games but also the hearts of a lot of fans-including mine. And, trust me, no one is more surprised about this than me. For a variety of reasons, I was definitely in the “anyone but Germany…and Italy” camp before the World Cup. But after watching them play, I was won over by their heart, selflessness and dedication to each other. And though football fans are always sad when great players can’t participate in the World Cup- I felt that Germany (in the end) benefitted from Ballack’s absence. Michael Ballack is undoubtedly an incredible player who has led Germany to (almost) Glory- such as their ride to the semifinals in the 2006 World Cup or the finals of Euro 2008. But, it became obvious even to casual observers of the German team that while the rest of the team was moving forward to a “new approach” of football- Ballack remained faithful to the “old guard” and the “old ways.” (Yes, Michael, some people do like to see their loved ones during the tournament.)

When Ballack was injured, Philipp Lahm was named captain of the German team- a task he accomplished admirably. Leading this team was a tricky task- and not because of anything to do with the actual players- but because of the press about the team. Before the tournament, the diverse make-up of the team led to questions being asked about their “German-ness” and how a team of players from such diverse backgrounds could work cohesively together. Needless, to say, I think the proof was on the field – as the German team were an exemplary example of how a team should work together. And instead of crumbling under pressure, Lahm embraced his role as a leader- focusing on creating an environment where the players could blossom instead of being stifled. And he clearly doesn’t want to give up this role- he made that clear both at the World Cup and in recent interviews with German press.

“The job is a lot of fun for me,” Lahm told the German newspaper Bild. “If you do your job on the pitch and have it under control, as I do in my position, then you want more. And you want more responsibility

Its hard to say what could of been- but I’m not sure if this cohesiveness would have been able to exist if Ballack had led the team instead of Lahm…

But, if recent interviews with Ballack are any indication, he does not agree. All signs indicate he believes he will be returning to the German National Team- and with the armband.

“I am the captain of the national team,” said Ballack. “Philipp Lahm has made his claim at a moment that I feel is inopportune. I was injured and could not defend myself.

In my opinion, the fact that Ballack is trying to press himself back into the national team fold doesn’t bode well for his ability to promote a unifying team as a power struggle is undoubtedly a mood-killer as players are forced to take sides. Bastian Schweinsteiger recently put his iron in the fire by standing with Ballack – against his Bayern teammate, Lahm.

“For me, it is Ballack who is the captain. Philipp took on the role solely becasue Michael was injured,”

I’m not sure how this will eventually end. Its a tricky situation the German Federation will have to navigate with extreme sensitivity to ensure they honor Ballack’s commitment and past contributions to the team while also not disturbing the synergy the team created in South Africa.

To keep tabs on all the developments in the German team, visit the Germany World Cup Blog!

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joejoejoe

Ballack is going to be 35 in the next Euros and 37 at the next World Cup. He's not going to be captain at either of the next two big tournaments and Schweinsteiger is likely the second choice captain behind Lahm. I'm not trying to invent drama here but it's easier for Schwiensteiger to get the captain's armband from Ballack in the future than from Lahm.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

hah- well there goes my “all for one and one for all” theory on the #GER national team…
http://twitter.com/thetruefootball The True Football

There is absolutely no way that the Germans would have made the semifinals with “The Senator” Ballack slowing down their midfield. He is the antithesis to the way they played, with counterattacking prowess and speed, this World Cup.

That being said, there is a place for a Ballack in the 'new' Germany. Against a team like Spain, his delegation in the midfield was sorely missed by a young team that didn't create many of their own chances. A blast from outside the penalty area or a precise header on a corner kick, well within Ballack's weaponry, could have been the difference in the game. Even if Ballack comes off the bench in Euros, he has that ability and will have it when he's 35 as well.

Can anyone say: Timeshare!
mtlyons

I don't know; it's not like he would have taken Özil's or Müller's spot in the lineup; he would most likely have taken Khedira's spot. I don't think he would have slowed Germany down at all playing there; Khedira was the man starting the counter, not finishing it, and Ballack is as good as anyone at that.
Bense235

I guess it takes somebody French to judge about team spirit. Hr. Hr.

Ballack doesn't do too much bad and he will be a part of he team soon enough, again. But the young guns should contend for the captains role after the next Euro, anyways.
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

To be fair, Im not French- just a fan of France. Not a bit of French in my family – all Irish and Welsh…but we came over on the boat a while ago..
hobo84

Who is this Ballack?
http://france.worldcupblog.org/ OffsideSarah

Oh come on- you won't find a more dedicated member of the “I hate Ballack” fan club than me, but the man has made some valid contributions to his country that should be recognized…
sandra350

Great post, Sarah. I too was very taken with this German team. And I too felt that they benefitted from Ballack's absence. I don't think he really belongs there anymore, they've moved on. Also loved your comments re this team's diversity and cohesiveness. Like the French rightwing nationalists, German rightwing nationalists responded to this team with their typical racist crap, refusing to cheer the team on because of the presence of players they deem not authentically German. I get royally fed up to here with people obsessed with the ethnic/racial purity of their football teams, esp. when the players they attack for not being “authentic” were usually born and raised in those countries or emigrated there at very young ages and were raised there, as is the case with most of the German players that the racists attack for not being really German. The only one who was not raised in Germany is Cacau, who's played in Germany since he was 18 (he's 29 now), sings the German national anthem loudly and fluently (louder than Ballack or Schweini or Mueller or Lahm) and calls himself “100% German and 100% Brazilian.”

I'll never understand the mentality that believes that some kid with an Italian last name who was born and raised in New Jersey or Uruguay or Argentina, doesn't speak Italian, knows nothing of Italian society, is more “authentically” Italian than some black child of African immigrants who was born, raised, educated and trained in Italy.